I use the Dodo’s videos in my Wildlife Rehab & Social Media presentation on examples of what NOT to share with the public. Why? Because it encourages others to partake in dangerous & illegal behavior. Dangerous to people (think Disease spread) but also dangerous to the squirrel https://twitter.com/dodo/status/1293366595100663808

Squirrels raised by themselves habituate to people, aka they don’t develop appropriate relationships or socialization from other squirrels. That’s why they “visit” later - because they think they’re people. Most likely this squirrel won’t react to other predators appropriately

People who aren’t trained to care for squirrels don’t know the appropriate nutrition or formula to give squirrels (many use kitten formula - which is not appropriate) & this can cause nutritional deficiencies that can kill them later (after they “release” them).

People who aren’t trained are at higher risk of aspirating squirrels (formula in their lungs) which gives them pneumonia & ALSO kills them. This is incredibly easy to do if you don’t know what you’re doing. The only treatment for aspiration pneumonia is antibiotics

Who is going to treat your illegal pet squirrel? Most vets have no idea what to do with wildlife, and those that DO generally know it’s illegal for you to have them & will refer you to a rehabber.

While squirrels aren’t considered High-risk Rabies vectors, they can STILL contract it since they’re a mammal. Some health departments may consider you handling them bare-handed & hand feeding for a long period as a risk, & will euthanize the squirrel to test for rabies.

So at best, you’ve raised a squirrel that has no idea it’s a squirrel & will be an easy meal for a predator (or cruel human). At worst, you’ve caused a squirrel to suffer through pneumonia or die from nutritional deficiencies, or exposed you & your fam to a whole host of diseases

“But Jess, what am I supposed to do when I find a squirrel if I’m not supposed to love it to death?”
You find a rehabilitator or a wildlife rehab facility or a veterinarian or animal control or your local game warden. Visit @animalhelpnow to find a rehabber near you.

No animal deserves to suffer bc of your willful ignorance or for your Instagram Ego. These are creatures with lives. Give them their best chance by giving them to a professional. That is how you help. OR - reach out to your local rehabbers & volunteer so you can do it responsibly